The Second Sunday of Lent, February 28, 2021

The Struggle: Psalms for Lent, Week 2

Readings for this week

First Lesson: Genesis 28:10-17. God comes with grace to sinners who deserve nothing but suffering in consequence of their sins.

Second Lesson: Romans 5:1-11. Christ suffering for sinners and in their place makes them innocent in God’s sight.

Verse of the Day: Philippians 2:8. Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Gospel: Mark 8:31-38. The suffering that comes as a result of following Jesus, drives us to Jesus’ cross both for forgiveness and for strength.

Sermon: Psalm 73. The Struggle Seems Unfair.

From an eternal perspective, the success of all who do not believe in God is short-lived. Jesus taught everyone who would listen about the things that were truly and eternally important.

The struggle against sin and our attempts to follow what God says are not the things that can earn us God’s favor. We follow God’s directions because God loves us already, because he loved us first.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Midweek Lenten Service, Week 2

The Hands of the Passion

Sermon:  Hands of Betrayal (John 13:21-30)

Pastor Ryan Heiman

The First Sunday in Lent

The Struggle:  Psalms for Lent, Week 1, February 21, 2021

Readings for February 21

First Lesson:  Genesis 22:1-18.  What do you love so much that it would be impossible to willingly and gladly give up if the Lord required it?

Psalm of the Day:  Psalm 3.   David contrasts the arrogant overconfidence of his enemies with the serenity he has because he trusts in the Lord.

Second Lesson:  Romans 8:31-39.  As beautiful as these verses are, it takes a miracle from God for us to believe them.

Verse of the Day:  Matthew 4:10. It is written: “worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”

Gospel:  Mark 1:12-15.  The life of Christ for us followed a hard and painful road:  loneliness and struggle in the desert for 40 days.

Sermon:  Psalm 3.  The Lord is My Shield from Every Enemy

We have many enemies.  Who or what is it that you consider to be your enemy?  Might it be enemies that outright challenge and contradict what our God says, or our own selves that give in to sinful habits and put up stumbling blocks to our faith?

The Lord is my shield. King David looked to the Lord for help and we should, too.  The Lord is our shield to protects us from danger that would otherwise end us.

I securely rest in Him.  We can securely rest in our Lord despite the struggles we face from our many enemies.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021

he Hands of the Passion Series, Week 1,

Readings for Ash Wednesday:

First Lesson:  2 Samuel 12:1-13.  King David thought he had successfully covered up his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah the Hittite, but God, through his prophet Nathan’s story of a poor man’s precious lamb exposes his sin, leading to David’s repentance and God’s gift of forgiveness.  In the same way we are encouraged to repent and ask God’s forgiveness.

Psalm 51. Create in me a clean heart, O God.

Second Lesson: Acts 5:1-11.  Ananias and Sapphira had the right to withhold or offer whatever they wished to the Lord but they lied and did not repent.

Gospel and Sermon Text:  Luke 18:9-14.  Contrast the pride with which the Pharisee prays to God with hands outstretched to the humbleness with which the tax collector asks for forgiveness with hands beating his breast in contrition. 

Comparing your goodness against God’s standards reveals that we are all in need of God’s mercy, so repent and receive God’s gift of forgiveness.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Last Sunday after the Epiphany: The Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 14, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 7

Readings for this service

First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12a. In this lesson, we learn more about the last day of Elijah before he was taken up to Heaven in a whirlwind.

Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6. In the preaching of the gospel, the real glory of God becomes manifest.

Verse of the Day: Mark 9:7: Alleluia. A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Alleluia.

Gospel: Mark 9:2-9. The Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain was primarily for the benefit of those he called.

Sermon: Mountaintop Glory: Mark 9:2-9.

February 14, 2021

Last Sunday after the Epiphany: The Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 14, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 7

Readings for this service

First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12a.  In this lesson, we learn more about the last day of Elijah before he was taken up to Heaven in a whirlwind.

Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6.  In the preaching of the gospel, the real glory of God becomes manifest.

Verse of the Day:  Mark 9:7:  Alleluia.  A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love.  Listen to him.” Alleluia.

Gospel:  Mark 9:2-9. The Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain was primarily for the benefit of those he called.

Sermon:  Get to Know Jesus in His Heavenly Glory:  Mark 9:2-9.

For a few shining moments on the mountain, Jesus showed who he really was, that he was more than just an ordinary human being.  He showed that he is and was true God as he allowed his heavenly glory to shine forth

This wasn’t a trick; it wasn’t a reflection of the sun or even a reflection of heavenly glory shining on Jesus.

It was his glory shining forth.  He is God.  He is the eternal and almighty God clothed in human flesh and bones and blood.  He is God himself and a human being just like us.

He lets us peer into the heavenly glory so that we will continue to share the Gospel with others.  .

Amen.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

February 14, 2021

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany , February 7, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 6.

Readings for this service

First Lesson: Job 7:1-7. Job’s experience of suffering is extreme but no means unique, but he continues to trust in God’s mercy in the face of such terrible suffering.

Verse of the Day: John 8:12. Alleluia. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Alleluia.

Second Lesson: Romans 8:28-30. All things work together for the good of those who love God.

Gospel and Sermon:  Mark 1:29-39. We all have unique circumstances and situations, but we praise God that we have this in common: Jesus is our Savior.

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany , February 7, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 6

Readings for this service

First Lesson: Job 7:1-7. Job’s experience of suffering is extreme but no means unique, but he continues to trust in God’s mercy in the face of such terrible suffering.

Verse of the Day: John 8:12. Alleluia. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Alleluia.

Second Lesson: Romans 8:28-30. All things work together for the good of those who love God.

Gospel and Sermon:  Mark 1:29-39

We all have unique circumstances and situations, but we praise God that we have this in common: Jesus is our Savior.

We get to know Jesus as we recognize the work of sin and Satan and as we know the power Jesus has to help.

He has called us to trust in him, and we will continue to want to get to know him better and better day by day.

Amen

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

WELS musician Chris Driesbach leads service at Grace on January 31, 2021. See Chris’s website: https://www.chrisdriesbach.com/

Third Sunday after the Epiphany , January 17, 2021

Get to Know Jesus Series, Week 4

Readings for this service

First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:19-21. God calls Elisha

Verse of the Day: Matthew 4:23. Alleluia. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing every disease. Alleluia.

Second Lesson: Acts 13:1-5. God sets apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for work for which he called them.

Gospel and Sermon:  Mark 1:14-20

Jesus called his first 4 Disciples: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who left their fishing boats and followed him immediately.

Jesus has called all of us Christians to follow him above all, too.

We can do this by: 1) genuinely confess our sins; 2) trust in God’s promise to forgive; and 3) live a life that tries to be free from those sins.

We can all serve our Lod wherever we are and however long we’ve been in the Christian faith.

And while there are competing influences out there that want us to do anything except follow our Lord, let us instead imitate the 4 men whom Jesus called to full-time apostleship and be willing to drop and overcome whatever necessary so that we may follow our Savior as he has called us.

Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka

Second Sunday after the Epiphany , January 17, 2021

Readings for this service

First Lesson: 1 Samuel 3:1-10. The Lord calls the boy Samuel and Samuel answers, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”.

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 49:3: Alleluia. He said to me, “You are my servant in whom i will display my glory.” Alleluia.

Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. It is by God’s grace that you are saved who gives us encouragement and hope.

Gospel: John 1:43-51. Jesus calls Philip to be His disciple; Philip invites Nathanael to “come and see” the Lord Jesus.

Sermon:  Know the Power of Jesus’ Call (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17:

Give thanks to God for bringing you to faith. Because it is a challenge to follow our Savior in all we think, do, and say, we also go to the Lord for his sustaining power.

He does this when we hold his Word tight and close to our hearts and where he eternally encourages our hearts with his good hope of grace and agape love.

He also sustains us to follow Jesus through our Word-driven works and words.

It is through all this that we get to know the power our Lord works in us through Jesus’ call to faith in him and to follow him.

Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Baptism of our Lord, January 10, 2021

Readings for this service

First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-6:  With prophetic vision, Isaiah spoke of the coming of the Christ.

Psalm 148: All God created, including the heavens and earth and all living creatures are called to praise the Lord.

Second Lesson: Acts 16:25-34: After an earthquake, the jailer was terrified that all the prisoners had escaped; Paul and Silas reassured him they remained in their cells. They spoke to him of the Word of the Lord and to everyone in his house. The jailer rejoiced, because he and his whole household had come to believe in God

Gospel: Mark 1:4-11: John the Baptist baptizes the Lord.

Sermon:  The Son of God is Baptized for You (Mark 1:4-11)

John the Baptist called people to repent of their sins. The crowds all heard that they were sinners and needed forgiveness. He also preached that someone else was coming who outshone John and this was Jesus.

When Jesus, the sinless Son of God walked down to John, into the Jordan River, to be baptized, he was giving us a champion to fight the battle against your sins. He began his work and the ministry that will take him to his death on the cross, not because of his own sin, but because he is going where sinners need to go. He is going to the suffering and pain and torture of hell as a substitute for you and for the whole world.

Because of all he has done, your baptism has power to save.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Epiphany of our Lord, January 3, 2021

Readings for this service

First Lesson and Sermon Text: Isaiah 60:1-6:  Isaiah allows us a glimpse of the glory that is Christ.  We see God’s great love for us.

Second Lesson: Ephesians 3:2-19:  Paul explains we have been sent to the ends of the world to make known to Jews and Gentiles of the salvation that comes from Jesus.

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12:  In this account of the Magi visiting Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, God has revealed that Jesus has come for the poor and lowly without leaving out the wise and rich.

Sermon:  Ge to Know Jesus as the Savior of the World: Isaiah 60:1-6

Epiphany is the word used to recount the visit of the Magi to our Savior, Jesus Christ, the sun’s dawning Light, in Bethlehem.  Jesus’ light of salvation chases away the darkness of sin with his forgiveness and love.

Follow the example given to you by the Magi as you consider how to give your joyful gifts and praise to the Lord.

Let your gifts to the Lord of time, talents, and treasures be of first priority instead of what’s leftover because you failed to plan.

Everyone’s situation is different and may not be secure, but chances are, you can still be generous to God in your own way.

Let your giving be marked with cheerful hearts and a faith-driven motivation that comes from calling Jesus your Savior.

Pastor Tim Patoka.

New Year’s Eve Service, December 31, 2020

Readings for this service

First Lesson: Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28: God promises that his Word is there to direct our lives.

Second Lesson:  1 Peter 1:17-25: All earthly things perish, but the word of the Lord endures forever.

Verse of the Day:  Psalm 119:105: Your words are a lamp for my feet and alight for my path.

Gospel and Sermon Text:  Matthew 7:24-29: The words from the Gospel for this sermon come from the very last portion of Jesus Sermon on the Mount. Jesus counsels us to build our life on the firm foundation that comes from belief in him. Listen to the amazing promises of God. Consider how he has led you where you hear his Word. Read it. Learn it. Study it. Meditate on it and make it a part of your life. And then put it into practice.

Let his Word lead you to repent of sins, some of which you don’t even realize you are doing.

Let it lead you to show love and care for your neighbors by supporting them in their need and encouraging them when they are fearful and comforting them when they are sad.

Love your neighbors by telling them about Jesus.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

First Sunday after Christmas, December 27, 2020

Readings for this service

First Lesson: Isaiah 45:20-25:  The Lord wants all people to be saved.  In Jesus and in none other God will accomplish our salvation and the redemption of the world.

Second Lesson:  Colossians 3:12-17:  All Christians are urged to live with faith as we live with others and do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Verse of the Day:  Colossians 3:15a:  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

Gospel and Sermon Text:  Luke 2:25-40: Like Simeon and Anna, two believers who saw the baby Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem sang:  not of their own merit or even of their faith; they sang and rejoiced that God had sent salvation to his people and had made it know to them.

We also find forgiveness in the One who was brought to the temple that day as a little child.  He lived and died for you, that he may be the center of your attention, to focus on Him, as you live thankful lives for him, and for eternity when you’ll live with him in Heaven.  Amen

Pastor Ron Koehler

Christmas Day Service, December 25, 2020

Readings for this Service

First Lesson: Isaiah 52:7-10: Hear the joy that God has brought us

Second Lesson: Hebrews 1:1-9: Hear how high and mighty God is and the salvation he brought us with providing us with Jesus our Savior.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 1:1-14: “In the beginning…” is how God told us, through Moses in Genesis Chapter 1, that He created all things in six 24-hour days. As he bring our attention to creation, the Apostle John begins his Gospel with the famous words, “in the beginning.” He teaches us who this baby born in Bethlehem truly is.

He is the Word, Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man.

While we may be tempted to think that Jesus is less than the Word in the flesh or that his light is hopeless against sins’s darkness, that will never be: our Savior’s birth still stands and can never be undone.

Jesus’ birth in Bethlenem promises you the same as it always has—-your Savior has come to bring you God’s light of a forgiven and everlasting life.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, December 24, 2020

Readings for this Service

First Lesson: Genesis 3:8-15: Humanity’s separation from God dates to the beginning of time: to the fall into sin by the first humans, Adam and Eve.  As tragic as this was, the account of it ends with God’s promise of rescue: that the woman’s offspring, Christ, would ultimately defeat Satan and the rebellion of sin.

Second Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-9: Striking symbolic language describes the gift more than 700 years before it was given.

Third Lesson: Micah 5:2-4: God wants there to be no doubt about his gift.  Through prophesy he reveals the exact tiny village where Jesus would be born.  The wonder of fulfilled prophesy continues to convince people about the validity of God’s gift even today.

Fourth Lesson:  Luke 1:26-38:  So many of God’s ways of intervening in our world are beyond our understanding.  We are blessed to receive God’s gift when, like Mary, we humbly accept God’s plan and marvel at it.

Fifth Lesson: Matthew 1:18-25:  The first lesson described the human race’s separation from God.  God’s gift to end this separation is his Son, Immanuel—“God with us.”

Sixth Lesson:  Luke 2:1-17:  In a fulfillment of the prophecy in tonight’s third lesson, God uses the mighty powers of this world to accomplish his will and to deliver his gift to an otherwise doomed world.

Seventh Lesson:  Luke 2:8-20:  The angels can’t help but celebrate God’s gift.  The shepherds eagerly spread the word of this gift as announced by the angels.  We join them, glorifying and praising God for all that we have come to know about God’s great gift.

Pastor Ron Koehler

Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 20, 2020

Scripture Readings for this week:

First Lesson:  2 Samuel 7:8-16:  Both Jesus’ coming in grace and his coming in judgment are events pre-figured in the promise to David.  What’s left for us to do?  Nothing!

Psalm 63:  This Psalm of David expresses a deep longing for God.

Second Lesson:  Romans 16:25-27: Jesus, the sum of all that God has to say to us, is about to descent once more to the lowly manger of our hearts! 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 1:23:  Alleluia.  The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son.  And they will name him Immanuel.  Alleluia.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-38: Listen to the promise of the angel: the one to be born would be  true and complete God and true and complete man --- in one person.

What is so amazing about this promise it that it does not depend on you; it depends on God.  It depends on Jesus.

And that amazing and impossible promise deserves only one reaction:  it is to be received in faith.

May God bless these last days of Advent for all of us.  May he strengthen our faith to believe the impossible and the amazing news.  May he prepare us for life and for eternity through his greatest promise to us: the promise of Jesus.

Amen

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Midweek Advent Service, December 16, 2020

Children of the Promise: Moses

Readings for the service:

First Lesson: Exodus 2:1-10

Psalm 27

Second Lesson:  2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Sermon:  God Protects and Delivers His People: Exodus 2:1-10

Pastor Ron Koehler

Third Sunday in Advent, December 13, 2020

Readings for this week:

First Lesson and Sermon Text:  Isaiah 61:1-3, 10-11:  It is an astonishing thing that so many are not satisfied with the salvation that God provides in the coming Christ. 

Psalm 63: In this Psalm of King David, we address God as a loved one, not as a stranger, and with an eagerness to be near him.

Second Lesson:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-24:  The message prepares you for the real Christmas and for the real joy that God wants you to have in Christmas.  Be filled with joy in knowing that God is faithful and will not leave us or forsake us no matter what happens to us in this life; for the Light of the world is on his way!

Verse of the Day:  Matthew 11:10:  Alleluia.  I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.  Alleluia.

Gospel:  John 1:6-8, 19-28:  John was God’s spokesman called to prepare the people for the Savior who comes in grace and judgment.  Bot those questioning him were not satisfied with him or with his message.

Sermon:  Isaiah 61:1-3, 10-11:  There’s no news better than our God’s news which promises us freedom and joy. Jesus is the Anointed who has come to preach the good news of forgiveness to all those afflicted by sin so they may be free from it. This forgiveness brings joy down to our very souls, in fact God will cause this joy to sprout before all nations with our acts of righteousness and praise as we continue to revel in the Anointed’s promises of freedom and joy to us.  Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka